The functionality described in this topic is available in HelpSmith Professional (or higher) edition only.

The Image Tool allows you to add various types of annotations, such as rectangles, balloons, arrows, lines, text labels, control annotations (for UI elements), hotspots, and other objects to any image in your documentation. You can add annotations when creating a new screenshot, or when editing an existing image in a topic.

Edit Annotations of an Existing Image

1.In the word processor, hover the mouse over the image that you want to edit.

2.In the top-left corner of the image, click the Edit Image button.

3.Use the Image Tool to add, edit, or delete the annotations that you need.

4.Click OK.

Add an Annotation to the Image

1.In the Image Tool, in the left toolbar, click the appropriate button for the annotation object that you want to add: balloon, arrow, shape, text, control annotation, hotspot, etc.

2.In the dialog, set the desired parameters of the annotation.

3.Click OK.

Edit Annotation Properties

1.In the Image Tool, double-click on the annotation that you want to edit.

2.In the dialog, change the parameters that you need.

3.Click OK.

Editing Properties of an Arrow Object

Arrow Settings

Specifies shape, color, and other parameters of the arrow object.

Text Settings

Allows you to add text and specify font settings for the annotation.

Shadow Settings

Allows you to specify shadow settings for the annotation.

Hotspot

Allows you to specify hotspot properties, so the annotation will work as a clickable hotspot.

OK

Applies the current settings and closes the dialog window.

Cancel

Discards the changes to the settings and closes the dialog window.

Position and Resize Annotations on the Image

The Image Tool allows you to position and resize the selected objects by using the mouse.

To position and resize the selected objects precisely, you can use the arrow keys on the keyboard. To resize a selected object, you can use the arrow keys while holding down the Shift key. In addition, while moving or resizing an object, you can hold the Ctrl key to increase the offset.

Remark: To select more than one annotation, you can click on the objects while holding down the Ctrl key.

Rotate Annotations on the Image

The Image Tool allows you to rotate a selected object by using the mouse.

To rotate the selected objects precisely, you can use the arrow keys on the keyboard while holding down the Alt key. In addition, while rotating an object, you can hold the Ctrl to increase the offset.

Remark: To select more than one annotation, you can click on the objects while holding down the Ctrl key.

Using the Auto Alignment and Size Buttons

The "Auto Alignment and Size" buttons available on the toolbar in the Image Tool allow you to quickly position and resize the selected objects relative to another object.

The "Auto Alignment" buttons (for example: Align by Left, Align by Top, etc.) position the selected objects relative to the first selected object.

The "Auto Size" buttons (for example: Make Same Width, Make Same Height, etc.) make the width or height value of the selected objects the same as the first selected object.

Remark: To select more than one annotation, you can click on the objects while holding down the Ctrl key.